What You Need to Know About Patching Holes in Drywall

You're probably no stranger to holes in your drywall. If you have rambunctious preteens, then you've probably witnessed or experienced household damage. Holes in your drywall aren't artistic, they aren't 'a great story', and they sure aren't something that should be neglected. They're pesky eyesores that can diminish the overall aesthetics of your home. Discover the most effective ways of patching holes in drywall and understand the benefits of enlisting professional drywall services from your local Memphis handyman

The pros at Mr. Handyman of Memphis have put together a guide to help you comprehend the detrimental effects of damaged drywall. Stick with us to discover how a Memphis drywall repair service can work wonders for your home.  

How to Get Started on Patching Holes in Drywall

Before we dive full-force to the resolution, it's important to understand the nature of the problem. Not only do holes in drywall ruin the appearance of your rooms, but they also compromise the integrity of your walls. Holes in walls become vulnerable to moisture, drafts, and of course, pests, so patching them ASAP is crucial. 

Uncover Damage

Typically, larger holes in drywall are the unfortunate result of accidents. Whether it's someone accidentally falling into the drywall, an object colliding with it, or a wrongly placed cut that needs to be fixed, these types of holes require a bit more effort to repair compared to simple nail holes. However, it is still very much possible to effectively patch and paint the drywall, thus restoring your wall to its pristine condition.

Begin the process by surveying the extent of the damage. Is it a drywall hole from nails, or a drywall dent, or is it a large gash? By identifying the size and type of hole, it will help you determine the right repair approach. 

Consider if there are any underlying factors that could have caused the hole. Is it located near a water pipe or an electrical conduit? It is crucial to investigate any potential water leaks or electrical issues that may have initially caused the damage. Promptly addressing these underlying issues will effectively prevent further damage to the drywall.

Gauging the Size of the Hole

When you’re patching holes in drywall that are on the bigger side, such as those the size of a doorknob or larger, relying solely on drywall compound or spackle won't suffice. Without proper support, the patching compound will simply cave into the hole. To ensure a reliable repair, it is essential to employ an adhesive patch kit that not only covers the hole but also offers sufficient support for the drywall compound during the drying process.

If the damaged area exceeds one square foot, a patch kit won't be enough. It's essential to have professionals handle patching holes in drywall by cutting a new piece of drywall to the correct size and shape to complete the repair. This replacement drywall piece is usually reinforced with small wood strips on each side, preventing the patch from collapsing into the wall.

Gather Your Materials

Depending on the size and the type of drywall damage, specific materials are required for patching holes in drywall. Let's take a look at what you may need:

• For Small Holes: Small holes from nail pops or pinholes, you'll only need a Spackling compound, putty knife, and some sandpaper. Professionals recommend a 220-grit sandpaper. 
• For Medium-Sized Holes: Drywall patch kits for holes up to a few inches in diameter will give you the best results. The kits will typically include: self-adhesive drywall patches, coats of compound, and a trusty putty knife. 
• For Larger Holes: When dealing with large holes and cracks in your drywall, a new piece of drywall is needed, along with joint compounds, a drywall knife, drywall screws, sandpaper, and some paint to match your wall's color. 

Prepare the Area

Now that you've inspected the damage, and you've gathered the required materials, let's prepare the surface and get started on patching holes in drywall. You'll want to start by removing loose or damaged drywall around the hole. A stable and clean surface is absolutely required for your drywall patch to properly adhere to. You can use a utility knife and/or sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. 

Furthermore, a good scrub down of the drywall surface is necessary for secure adhesion of the patch material. Be sure to clean dust, dirt, and other debris from the hole and the surrounding area. Having clean surfaces is crucial in ensuring a strong bond between the patch and the wall.

Apply an Entire Patch

Take note and follow the steps below, depending on the type of drywall hole and gather your materials:

• Small Holes: Apply a small quantity of Spackling compound to the hole, making sure to cover it entirely. Utilize a putty knife to achieve a smooth surface, and gently feather the edges to seamlessly blend with the entire wall.
• Medium to Large Holes: To cover up bigger holes, simply position the self-adhesive mesh patch over the damaged spot. Then, gently apply the drywall joint compound over the patch, carefully blending the edges for a flawless finish. Let the compound dry entirely before sanding for a flawless result.

Sand and Paint the Repair

After allowing your drywall patch to fully dry, it is crucial to refine the repair. Utilize a sanding block or sandpaper to expertly sand the hardened Spackle, resulting in a flawlessly smooth surface. So grab your paint brush and use paint to touch up the repair for a 'this-never-happened' perfect finish. If you've recently painted a room, use the leftover paint from your recent room painting project to add a couple coats of paint to the wall.  Being precise is essential when it comes to this: a shade that seems similar at the store probably won't perfectly match the existing paint color, which could make your repair work noticeable.

Why Professional Services May Be Required For Patching Holes in Drywall

The DIY television channel, DIY Pinterest boards, and DIY Instagram reels are so inspiring that they can motivate anyone with a passion for craftsmanship to give it a try. And hopefully after reading this blog, you feel well-equipped to patch up holes in your drywall. But if you don't have the tools, the experienced eye, or really, enough time to complete a successful drywall repair, you can always contact the professional drywall repair services from Mr. Handyman of Memphis. Here is why professional services are always a wise choice: 

• Expertise and Knowledge: The expertise and experience of professional drywall repair specialists are invaluable. They possess a wealth of knowledge that allows them to thoroughly evaluate the magnitude of the damage, not only on the surface but also below it. Through their meticulous assessment, they are able to identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to the creation of the hole. By tackling these root causes head-on, professionals not only provide an aesthetically pleasing repair but also prevent potential future complications. Their efforts result in a long-lasting solution that goes above and beyond mere visual appeal.
• Time-Saving: If you lack expertise in drywall repair, attempting a DIY project can consume a significant amount of time. The process typically includes various steps, such as applying patching compound, allowing it to dry, sanding, and painting. However, by hiring a professional, you can complete the task swiftly and save your valuable time.
• Quality Workmanship: By enlisting a professional, you are securing top-tier craftsmanship. Our team of experts has refined their abilities over years of dedicated practice, enabling us to achieve a level of accuracy and refinement that is difficult to match with a do-it-yourself approach. Our objective is not just to cover up the hole, but to seamlessly blend the repair into the current wall, leaving behind no evidence of damage. This meticulous focus on precision guarantees that your wall will appear flawless, elevating the overall aesthetic of your home.
• Safety: Safety is crucial when it comes to home repairs. Professionals are equipped with the necessary tools and safety gear to ensure a secure repair process, including protective equipment to guard against dust and debris inhalation, as well as proper tools for handling drywall materials. In addition, professionals are knowledgeable about safety protocols, minimizing the risk of accidents during the repair.

Hole in the Wall? Mr. Handyman of Memphis Has the Experts You Need For Patching Holes in Drywall!

Leave the hole in the wall to your local pub, and get your hole in the wall repaired effectively and efficiently to maintain your home's beauty, and its structural integrity. While DIY repairs are admirable, and a great way to challenge yourself, professional drywall services always guarantee that the job will be done with precision that only comes from an expert. Furthermore, our handyman team will be able to identify any potential issues that could cause more drywall damage, and suggest the best course of action to take to prevent more damage. What's more, after Mr. Handyman has conducted drywall repair, we can also perform drywall finishing, making it look that no damage was ever made in the first place!

Choose Mr. Handyman of Memphis to ensure your walls are restored back to their former glory! Contact our excellent customer service team today to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. 

Mr. Handyman of Memphis proudly serves its community in and around the Memphis area, including Cordova, Southaven, Germantown, and beyond! We look forward to working with you!